SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the Fourth

[Darth Coyotus]

Fenraven, Indhopal





Ambassador Hokuzai approached the Indhopali President carefully. He knew that there were close relations between Indhopal and the NFT... in a way, he was counting on it.

"What can I help you with today, Ambassador?" the President asked. Ambassador Hokuzai smiled.
"I was wondering if you had been following the news lately," the Ambassador said, "Specifically, recent incidents in pirate-infested waters to the north."

"Ahhh," the President said, "Mm, yes," he said, noncommittal and on alert.
"We have our... suspicions about the perpatrators of this violent act," the Ambassador said, "As you know, it was a weather station that was attacked without provocation or challenge. Between those who had interest, motive, and the proper equipment to carry out this attack, we have but two primary suspects."

"And certainly you know that Indhopal would never have anything to do with such a heinous act," the President said. Ambassador Hokuzai lowered his eyes, visibly embarrassed.
"Mister President, I assure you, we trust Indhopal completely. That, in fact, is why I come to you with a request that may be difficult."

"And what might that be?" the President asked.
"We have suspicions that the North Frequesquean Trust may be involved," Ambassador Hokuzai said. He handed over a folder that was clearly full of intelligence estimates, capability assessments, political motives... reasons Japanistan had narrowed the field to include the NFT. It was a slim folder, to be sure-- the Kempeitai was definitely not going to hand over all their intel on the matter, or even most of it. While what was in the folder was largely circumstantial, it was also fairly accurate.

"The NFT?" the President asked, his attention focused. "Why would they do such a thing?"
"In the 'motives' section we go in-depth into some analysis of the reasons," Hokuzai said, "But there are many small reasons, by themselves perhaps not important, but in aggregate... they can be compelling. We feel that the NFT wants to exert control over the areas around Frequesque, and make itself the 'center of gravity' for events on the continent you share. Their increasingly bold actions, and expansion, especially while acquiring the umbrella of protection from retaliation provided by their new allies... the rest of the world rightly patrols against pirates; but the NFT simply shoots the first people they come across. They feel like they can be belligerent while CATO protects them."

"That's... a pretty hard accusation to throw," the President said, looking through the folder.
"Hence we seek your help with this delicate matter," Hokuzai said, "As I mentioned, we have two suspects."
"Who are the others?"
"I am not at liberty to divulge, so as to not prejudice your point of view in the matter," Mr. Hokuzai said.

"So what do you want of Indhopal?" the President asked.
"We know you have close ties with the NFT," Hokuzai said, "We are of the opinion that you can use those ties to confirm whether or not the NFT was responsible, and whether it was a rogue agency, or on orders from on high. After all, if the highest levels of command in one of the most powerful regional regimes had decided to covertly attack anyone perceived as being 'in the way', that would be cause for concern, would it not?"

The President was silent, his expression unreadable.

"Such operations cost money, to be sure," Hokuzai said. "Never let it be said that the people of Japanistan are ungrateful. We are prepared to underwrite your intelligence operations to the tune of one billion Tonkin Dollars for your trouble."




Results:
Japanistan makes Indhopal an offer to confirm NFT involvement in the Flyspeck Isle attack.

***

[Darth Coyotus]

Sunshine Council Meeting
NeoTokyo





"But why would they?" Admiral Fuchida, supreme commander of th eImperial Navy, asked. "What would the Dominos gain from such a stunt?"

"Their motives are unclear," Air-Marshal Junishiro replied, "But we must remember, that the MESS forces, like the CATO forces, are arrayed like a great fan. To one side, you have countries like Shinra and Canissia, who put on a great show of being cooperative with others... and to the far side, you have the Old Dominion, the most aggressive and intractable of the bunch. They were the ones, we all remember, who pushed the war with our Shepistani allies."

"Practically herded their allies into it," Admiral Fuchida said.
"Bah," Junishiro countered with a contemptuous wave of his hand, "Herded into it? Part of their theatre. When the MESS wants something done, they send in Canissia and the Shinra Republic to be their geishas to try to woo their targets with soft words and trade deals. Don't get fooled by their protestations-- the war with Shepistan gave Canissia the perfect opportunity to test their robot warfighting doctrine, which they have since adopted on large scale."

"Gentlemen," the Chairman of the Sunshine Council, General Hikumi, said, "The history of MESS duplicity is not important, except in context of the Dominion harassment of the NFT frigate. Why would they do such a thing? What do they stand to gain?"

"The Dominion, as Air-Mashal Junishiro pointed out, is the most aggressive of the MESS countries," Colonel Hidoshi, chief of the Tokeitai, said. "While the MESS-CATO mutual axis is allied against us, they doubtlessly have their internal detractors. And of course, once we are eliminated, they will certainly fall to one another's throats. If the Dominion is trying to raise tensions for their own behalf, it could have positive repercussions for us as well."

"But can we use this to our behalf?' Junishiro asked. "Are we ready to spark a conflict between them? Such a conflict will spill over into our borders for sure, and we are not yet ready."

"No, we are not," Colonel Hidoshi agreed, "We are making inroads, though-- hopefully with the Indhopali, and hopefully with 'Project Center'. That will keep them off-balance sufficiently while we build up our nuclear air defenses."

"What we need," said General Hikumi, "Is another sideshow for our Great Kabuki. Keep the Imperialist-Colonialist Axis guessing. I venture a diplomatic front... perhaps with our friends the Byzantines..."




Results:
Sunshine Council ponders the meaning of the Old Dominion shootdown.
Possibly some internal dissent among the 'Imperialist-Colonialist Axis' powers.

***

[Siege]

Consequences



Syndicate headquarters, downtown San Dorado, North Frequesuan Trust

“So now what.” High Commissioner Iago Morgan asked the question that was on everybody’s lips. “I doubt Mr. Fairfax is going to let things slide.”

“Oh no”, Cordelia Cordova, his colleague of the Directorate-General for Commerce agreed. “Knowing him he’s going to act like someone just pissed on his breakfast burrito.”

The remark earned her some chuckles. The entirety of the Syndicate’s top echelon had just watched the exchange between President Hank and the ruler of the Old Dominion, and they all knew what it meant. The Old Dominion wasn’t going to let this slide. They would be out for blood.

“Provocations”, President Sidney Hank answered Morgan’s original question. “That’s what’s going to happen now. They’re going to try and provoke us… And we’re going to try and provoke them.”

“And how are we going to do that?” asked Acting High Commissioner Ella Duhalde. The Sabikan woman technically was not yet part of the Syndicate, but everyone here assembled knew how the vote in Sabika was going to go. There was no need to pretend.

“Our most valuable asset”, reasoned High Commissioner James Eckhart for Defence, “is our orbiter fleet. They’ll want to keep a close eye on that, see if they can pre-emptively take it out in case of a war.”

“Surveillance. That means, what, satellites?” asked the President.

“Dominion Hawks, most likely.” Eckhart shrugged. “We know they had them circling off our coast during the viral incident on Old Dominion shores.”

“If we see them, take them out.”

“That would be an incident” Eckhart looked uncomfortable with the prospect of having to shoot down foreign assets in what was technically peace time.

President Hank shrugged lightly. “I don’t care how you do it. Jam the fuckers, or fly our own drones into them if you have to. I won’t tolerate the fucking Dominos looking in on us. You see them coming, you take them out. Inside our outside our airspace. Whatever it takes.”

“Sir…” Morgan seemed somewhat shaken by the President’s hard line stance. “Are you sure that’s wise?”

“Iago, I’m tired of being bossed around by Tian Xia, or the Old Dominion, or whoever. These people think they can boss us around, impede our inevitable growth. Well, fuck ‘em. If they want to play rough, we’ll play rough. From now on it is tit for tat. I want our orbiter force on heightened alert, I want the fleet kitted out in full combat rattle. I want Tanstaafl aboard for extra marines to keep our combat ships safe.” He crossed his arms. “Now what’s this I hear about Tian Xian launches over our continent?”

“We don’t know for sure. They’ve been awfully quiet about what it is they’re doing.”

“Send an orbiter for a fly-by. And I mean Rocket Forces, not SDRA. Full orbital strike package. Whatever is up there, I want to know what it is. And if it’s hostile, we blow it up.”

An anguished silence fell around the board room table. “Sir…” said Iago Morgan finally. Of all the people in the room he’d known Sidney Hank the longest. “That could be war.”

Sidney Hank closed his eyes and massaged his temples. Finally, after several seconds had passed, he finally spoke. “Look. I’m just not going to tolerate these bastards orbiting their weapons over my damned head. These skies are ours, and they shall remain that way, treaties be damned. If they really, truly want to provoke us, then let’s just come out and give them what they want. If that's war, that’s just what they’ll get. All we have to do is make sure they regret it.”

[Lonestar]

Richmond Dispatch

OICAS passes punitive measures against NFT following incident.
The Organization of Impact Crater Archipelago States unanimously passed a binding resolution that would ban NFT commercial activity in the waters of the Impact Crater. Resource extraction operations with significant NFT interests will be forced to cease immediately by the OICAS maritime security assets. These include stationary platforms, and NFT fishery vessels. NFT involvement in the IC is limited, but because of it's large fishing fleet some of it's factory-vessels have headed to the IC fisheries. An OICAS spokeswoman noted that while this is in seeming violation of the 1879 Treaty of Utrecht, which established that the Impact Crater waters were for international use, the treaty no longer applied as "at the time there was no regional organization, much of the archipelago were colonies, and treaties that favored former colonial oppressors from the Old World no longer mattered."...[More]

[Beowulf]

Syndicate headquarters, downtown San Dorado, North Frequesuan Trust

"We can't send an orbiter up," replied Eckhart.

"What?" asked Sidney Hank.

"Our orbiters can't get that high. Oh, sure, if we did a suicide mission, we could give it enough oomph to get up there. But they'd never be able to get back down. Give us a couple months, and we could mount an orbiter to a FASTA Saturn, or bash together a camera sat to do a fly-by of one of them. We'd need to modify the orbiter if we use that. Needs extra rad shielding. The orbit goes through the Van Allen belts."

---

TXS Ting

"New orders from the Admiralty: We're to go closer towards shore. They want us trolling through the NFT's EEZ. The Tse will be taking up our last station."

"We're going to get shot at, aren't we."

"I think that's the point, sir. They shoot, we nuke. Or they stop being so damn annoying. In any case, we're slightly provocative, but not actually doing anything they can really complain about."

---

Note to the UCSR Foreign Office (ooc: or whatever it's called, should probably edit the wiki to have the right name).

The three satellites we recently put into Tundra orbit over Frequesque are to be considered national technical means of verifying compliance with the Port Nike Accords. Any interference with their operation will be construed as a violation of said accords.

[K. A. Pital]

UCSR, SHELTER 0


Stanislav read the recent reports. He certainly didn't like the recent events in Frequesue. The Old Dominion riffraff getting shot down by the NFT vessels and the following diplomatic debacle were well understandable and quite common events - after all, during the period of colder relations with Shroomania (the term "Cold War" was officially banned for use in the UCSR as an "imperialist slander") both sides routinely shot down each other's recon assets. Often those assets were planes with live people inside them.

This was a military asset, the OD knew it - not as if the NFT shot down a civilian liner flying like a military plane. And yet, they were persistent on a an apology. This is not anything like a KAL, Ukrainian Tu downing or a USS Vincennes incident, thought Stanislav - and even such incidents rarely had more than a lot of fuss around them. This is a bullshit incident, manufactured by the OD military lobby - quite probably for their internal goals. He didn't like the Tian Xia messing around either.

He took his notebook and started composing a message to President Shady.

The situation which you undoubtedly had been following just like I did, I feel, warrants special attention of our nation.

I am suspecting that the intensification of MESS provocations is connected to the NFT consolidation of power over Northern Frequesue. I feel we should not be afraid to speak it plainly, the MESSheads, especially their military lobby, are afraid of the CATO enroachment in Frequesue. They are puzzled by the fact that the NFT, a formerly small and irrelevant capitalist oligarchy, has become a tool for Union influence in Frequesue, and now constitutes one of our vital military assets.

The former President paused. He thought of the most important part - options proposal.

Here's the proposals. The constant harrassment of the NFT by ODAF, TXAF and TXN should be put an end to. They seem to have forgotten that they are no longer dealing with a lone, irrelevant Frequesuan power but with the main element of CATO diplomatic alliance in Frequesue. Some rough ideas:

1) Diplomatic note to OD and Tian Xia noting that provocations in the airspace of a CATO member are destabilizing and dangerous, and threaten the political stability of the world.

2) Public announcement that intensified naval and aerial patrols by CATO forces in the Northern Frequesue zone shall be conducted to block any provocations from occuring.

3) To the execution of (2), I propose rapidly shipping around 100,000 tons of kerosene and a likewise appropriate amount of other materials to intensify patrols by our MiG-31M interceptors over the coasts of N. Frequesue. For protracted patrols, Beriev A-40 should be utilized at all times - we should send several squadrons to Frequesue. 5th generation aircraft and some stealthy drones for automated patrol should be redislocated to N. Frequesue in appropriate numbers as well, quite probably with a naval platform, say a carrier, to support their operations. This solves most of our problems.

The Ural missile tracking ship should be re-dislocated to Frequesue as well - it's space control equipment will help us see missile launches and high-flying recon craft of the TXAF or ODAF. The carrier dispatch can be then rationalized as protection for the fleet flagship. Sending it will also constitute a Flag Display. The carrier and the Command Ship will assume command over the local naval UCSR forces and they shall constitute their escorts at all times.

Increased satellite surveillance of the North Frequesuan Sea is necessary as well. If ODAF or TXAF recon assets would be found within the patrol envelope of our ships or planes, they should be downed immediately as violating the airspace of the NFT and CATO by extension.

4) The OTH radars in the mainland should be utilized to maintain a maximally hostile jamming atmosphere during patrol hours.

5) We should discuss the specific measures relative to the secrecy and openness of the options we have, and the options themselves are also a subject of discussion. Perhaps some of them should be put forward for the Supreme Council Executive Commitee for an extraordinary secret convention and decided by a special resolution of such.

6) I am interested to hear of any proposals you have on dealing with the situation, and also if the Supreme Soviet had any proposals put out recently, which are connected with the Frequesuan provocations.

The President put the pen down. Now a complex encryption program coded this classified memo, which would be delivered by special "direct line" mail to the Palace of the Soviets.

[RogueIce]

Midgar, Shinra Republic

Shit. It was the first word that came to President Shinra's mind as he read the latest intel summary. Tensions were growing between the NFT and Old Dominion, as the economic sanctions clearly showed. Worse yet, personnel at the Tian Jiao Military City base reported OD Global Hawks being deployed there, and Rufus knew there was only one reason for that. Lonestar isn't an idiot, so he won't violate airspace. But I'm sure he'll have them somewhere to annoy the NFT, and if they take a shot at one... And just to prove that the Fates apparently hated him, rumor had it that Tian Xia was going to engage in some naval dick-waving of their own.

The Old Dominion and Tian Xia had always been a bit more belligerent than their MESS partners, but this had generally been dealt with and ignored, with rare exceptions, as typically they were pretty good allies and, if he were honest with himself, Rufus had to admit sometimes the dickishness worked out to the benefit of the MESS overall, and was thus more readily ignored.

But this is going too far.

Politically, it was a tough situation. The MESS and CATO didn't exactly have great relations, and the arguments that had come to dominate reporting from the Cascadian Summit hadn't helped. A public reprimand and call for peace would probably score points with CATO and those who supported them, but the pro-MESS supporters would be angered, especially those who decried the "upstart CATO" and doubtless viewed the Dominion actions favorably as "putting them in their place". Also, the supposed "fracture in MESS solidarity" would do plenty of damage. And there was to consider the fact it was the NFT, who many believed were simply using CATO as a shield to cover their expansionism and belligerent attitudes towards the world.

Of course, if the NFT and Old Dominion went to war, it could easily drag the rest of CATO and the MESS into it. So he certainly couldn't sit by and let that happen. But a public solution would lead to plenty of problems down the line. And while he was willing to suffer those consequences if need be - after all, he wasn't about to let the world be destroyed in nuclear fire for a second time - Rufus hoped for another way.

And then there was the NFT to consider. Rufus knew about their attacking the Japanistanis, and worried what the reaction might be. He was surprised there wasn't one, though he wasn't sure that didn't mean a response was not in the works. Regardless, it had been a dangerous and reckless act, and if the Syndicate was willing to go so far as to provoke the Japanistani menace, that was something which couldn't be ignored. And my speaking publically against the Old Dominion might even embolden them. That wasn't an outcome he wanted to have happen either, as they could easily ignite a conflict of their own.

So whatever solution he came up with would have to settle the issue of both the Old Dominion and the NFT playing such dangerous games. And since he knew anything he said to the Syndicate would simply be dismissed, that pressure would have to come from their CATO allies. Which means me and King Paul need to have a chat. Shroom wouldn't want a war, but he was somewhat...strange and that could make things dicey. President Shady had been rather cold during the Summit, and Stanislav was something of a hardliner, and Rufus knew that if Stanislav said, "Fuck them" Shady would follow his lead. And due to the disaster that was the Byzantine Incident, Heraclius probably wouldn't be too friendly.

Now that he knew who he'd have to talk to, the question became what to say. After some thought, he went to a hidden wall safe in his office and took out the Wilkonian evidence concerning the NFT sub strike. He didn't know if Paul knew about it, but if he wanted to convince the PeZookian King that Sidney Hank needed a chat about not provoking foreign powers, this would hopefully do the trick.

He picked up the phone to Warren Wright, his Secretary of State. "Get in touch with the PeZookian ambassador. Tell him I need to see him urgently. I'll come to the embassy. And that I don't want a media circus out of it." Then he got on the horn to the head of his protective detail, telling him he'd be departing for the PeZookian embassy. "But I don't want the full motorcade. I want this done quietly, without attracting attention." Cradling the receiver once more, he stood up, put on his coat, and with the file in hand, left his office to go to the basement of the Shinra Building.

[PeZook]

PeZookia harshly criticizes OICAS economic sanctions against the NFT

PeZookia's Foreign Minister, Mateusz Buczynski, has released a statement concerning the recent announcement by OICAS of economic sanctions against the NFT.

"The OICAS has flagrantly violated international law by denying a neutral country use of natural resources beyond the economic exclusion zones of its memeber states. Such cavalier attitude towards international treaties will only cause tensions and mistrust between the OICAS and other neutral nations: if the Old Dominion and its allies can claim the entirety of the Impact Crater as their exclusion zone, then any semblance of them respecting the International Treaty On The Law of The Sea has just been washed away. At best, ordering NFT fishers away from resources located in international waters is reckless and belligerent, at worst it is an act of state-sponsored piracy."

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Imperial Chronicles
"We need a video conference right now. This is far escalating beyond a normal dispute," the Emperor told Decius.

"Yes sire, we will make the necessary arrangements. How about the Japanistanis?" asked Decius.

Heraclius thought about this for a while. "I want you to make some unofficial inquiries about what it would take for Japanistani concerns to be assuaged by that incident. They are to be strictly unofficial with no absolute revelation about who and what fired that missile into that damn base of theirs."

[OOC: Coyote, I will leave it to you to assume some inquiries were made, and some form of unofficial response.]

"I will do so, Sire," said Decius.

Selenov asked, "Sire, this situation might demand a more affirmative response. At the moment, our carrier has since returned and replaced by another Shroomanian battlegroup. Should we send one to be deployed off the coast of the NFT? Or should we send ABM assets? Ones that can shoot high orbit craft? We could send in a brigade of batteries of S-500-G heavy ABM missiles and the related assets to provide the necessary guidance. Sending one of our X-Band radar vessels will also aid in detection."

Heraclius thought about this. "We will consult with our CATO allies before sending any assets. Meanwhile, send a note to the Cannissian embassy saying that I would like to have a telephone conversation with King Arik."

=================

Anatolia

The old telescope CALE was constructed on one of the mountain peaks in Anatolia in the 60s. Today, a number of huge construction vehicles arrived to demolish the telescope, and begin deep digging for the construction of a secret project that was started up recently as a testbed for an even larger project...

[Siege]

Headlines



San Dorado Times

Old D ships barred from NFT ports!
In an unprecedented move the Syndicate today has forbidden OICAS commercial ships from entering any harbor controlled by the North Frequesuan Trust, including Fallston and San Dorado international harbors. The bar is a response to the illegal resolution passed by the Archipelago collective prohibiting NFT ships from operating in the Impact Crater. The Syndicate further chose to close its ports to any and all MESS ships assigned to CJTF-15, the anti-piracy taskforce patrolling Frequesuan waters, citing that “this is no time for vessels belonging to a belligerent alliance to visit our ports”.

Navy steps up patrols
In response to rising tensions the North Frequesuan Navy has decided to step up its patrols, warning that ‘any vessel or aircraft spotted entering the security perimeter of an NFN taskforce will be considered hostile and may be fired upon’.

Sabikan vote off to a rocky start
The parliament of the Republic of Sabika in an extraordinary session today will decide whether or not to seek an upgrade its current position of observer to a full membership in the North Frequesuan Trust. Many MPs previously eager to vote ‘yea’ however now feel that in the current geopolitical climate it would be best to postpone the vote, whereas some who were initially against the motion now feel that recent events demonstrate the need to participate in a greater whole in order to make the Sabikan voice heard on an international stage. As of yet the parliament is debating the motion, with a vote not expected until tonight, and perhaps as late as tomorrow morning. For the motion to pass a 60 percent majority is required.

[PeZook]

Priority dispatch:OP-21 "Żbik" and OP-22 "Sowa", OP-23 "Sokół", OP-24 "Lew"

1. DISREGARD PREVIOUS PATROL ORDERS
2. PROCEED TO GRID REF. AM3 AND ESTABLISH PATROL LINE OFF IMPACT CRATER ARCHIPELAGO
3. DO NOT APPROACH SHORELINE . REMAIN OUTSIDE OF WEAPONS RANGE.
4. RELAY ANY RELEVANT INTELLIGENCE TO FLEET COMMAND

4. NUCLEAR RELEASE NOT AUTHORIZED
5. DO NOT ENGAGE MESS ASSETS UNLESS FIRED UPON

[CmdrWilkens]

Association of Justices decry improper findings of CATO members with regards to the Law of the Sea

Earlier today the WIlkonian Association of Justices, composed principally of former judges and Royal Court lawyers, issued a scathing indictment of the legal position being forwarded by several CATO member states in regards to the legality of the OICAS's decision to remove any NFT commercial assets from resource exploitation within the Impact Crater Region.

The statement itself makes the point that while protests have rightly identified that none of the state territorial waters extend so far as the principal fishing grounds of the Impact Crater region they fail to acount for provisions of Part IV of the Law of The Sea related to Archipelagic waters. Likewise they failed to discern the issue is about rights within the Exclusive Economic Zoneas defined in Part V.

Up to a distance of 200 miles from the coast of each member state of the OIACS and collectively 200 miles from the whole the organization exercises total legal control over all resource extraction including fishing. Within that realm, even without invoking the doctrine of Archipelagic waters, the member states are free to exclude any and all commercial ventures not in accordance with their internal policies. While free passage of vessels may not be hindered attempts by ships flagged by a foreign nation operating in the zone in violation of such a decree is a violation of international sovreignty.

While the Association goes on to request creation of a neutral court of arbitration for future international incidents as have sparked this recent row between the Old Dominion and the NFT they also condemn the short sighted and non-comprehensive view taken by the NFT's allies in attempting to pressure the Old Dominion into backing off. The statement concludes:

"We view both the OICAS removal of commercial rights from the NFT and the subsequent NFT decision to bar OICAS ships from its ports as legal. While we hold that neither is advisable economically or from the standpoint of international peace we can find no legal fault with either argument. The current Law of the Seas, as given by the agreement of all parties to the UNCLOS III, provides solid legal basis for all such actions. Moreover, the ratification by all parties and by fact of its timing it therefore supercedes the Treaty of Utrecht thereby restoring the EEZ and Territorial Waters of the Impact Crater to its constituent states."

[DarthShady]

Palace of the Soviets, Stasograd, UCSR

Shady was not a happy man. Old problems seemed to have a way of resurfacing again. Still, there were things to be done and the UCSR would not sit quietly and watch it's allies get harassed by the goddamn MESS. "Sir, I am sorry to interrupt you - but I have a message for you from Comrade Stanislav.", the young assistant said and handed Shady a notebook with the message. "Thank you.", Shady said and began reading the message. "Sir, I must remind you that the meeting starts in fifteen minutes.", she said. "Yes, I know.", the President answered, "I'll be there." With that he returned to reading the message.

"Stanislav, as always, is on top of things.", Shady thought to himself. Stanislavs proposal made sense to the President and it was mostly in line with what he and the Supreme Soviet had decided to do. Now it was simply a matter of making it happen. For that purpose a meeting of several high ranking Union officials was about to take place. Many things would be discussed at the meeting, Stanislavs proposal and the situation it related to, being the most important topic.

The Meeting

"Gentlemen I believe that it is quite clear that the Old Dominion and Tian Xia once again give themselves too much freedom. They think they can harass our allies and see no response from us. Enough is enough.", President Shady said, "We must act now, to show the MESS that should they continue with their provocations of CATO members, it will not end well for them. It is vital for us to protect the Unions Frequesan interests. For that purpose there are several things we must do, many of which our dear friend Stanislav suggested."

"I think I have a preety good idea of what he suggested.", Yuri Andropovsky, UCSR Foreign Minister and PCIA Chief, said with a smile. President Shady simply smiled back before continuing. "The first thing we will do is send a diplomatic note to OD and Tian Xia noting that provocations in the airspace of a CATO member are destabilizing and dangerous, and threaten the political stability of the world.", Shady said, "Hopefully they will see the error of their ways and back off."

The room burst into laughter. "I'm sure they will, Comrade President.", one of the Generals present laughed. "They have been known to be reasonable before.", President Shady said with a smile, "Rarely, but it does happen." The room was quiet again so Shady continued. "The second thing we do is make a public announcement that intensified naval and aerial patrols by CATO forces in the Northern Frequesue zone shall be conducted to block any provocations from occurring.", Shady said, "There are more details on that in the folders on the table, but the gist of it is quite clear - stay the fuck away from CATO airspace."

"The folders are quite detail.", Yuri said, "Are we sure all this is necessary?"

"Yes. That and more. I am also sending the Comrade Stanislav carrier battlegroup to NFT waters.", President Shady said, "The rest of the content of those folders contains instructions for each of you. Make sure that they are executed. This meeting is adjured, until next time Gentlemen."

With that the President signaled Yuri to follow him and left the room. "Yuri, I want you to send my personal invitation to Comrade Stanislav, I want him to come visit me. We have matters to discuss between ourselves and with our allies.",Shady said, "We need to set up a video conference with them." "Of course Comrade President.", Yuri said.

Result:
-Basicaly everything that Stas suggested in his message has happened or is in the process of happening.
-Also the Comrade Stanislav battlegroup has been sent to the waters of the NFT

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

CATO Military Journal

Vulkan rocket begins final certification flights



The Vulkan Rocket began it's last few test flights and is slated for certification soon. While it has not received certification to launch humans into space, it is more than ready to haul its first heavy cargo into space. This first heavy cargo is believed to be a space station, code named "MIR".

Buran makes its first test flights into space



Buran is a near decade long project that began its first test flights late 2015 and has now begun its first test flights into space. The first unmanned flights have begun, and manned space flight should begin near the end of 2017.

[Darth Coyotus]

Byzantium Capitol Airfield






The basic airframe of the IL-76 transport aircraft was copied in Japanistan as the JC-76 Maple Highlifter-- and this particular JC-76 was in the formal, highly-polished diplomatic livery of the Imperial Air Force. Astute observers --and the airport seemed to be full of them on that particular day-- noted the addition of a small, colorful coat-of-arms added to the tail, just to the side of the squadron designation: a minor official of the house of the tenno.

The man that came down the ramp was resplendant in his Japanistani Imperial Air Force dress uniform; he was a Captain in the IJAF and had two aides with him-- stone-faced, silent men in equally resplendant uniforms of the Air Force. The Captain reached the end of th rramp and saluted the Byzantine official.

"Welcome to Byzantium, Captain..." he paused for a moment, remembering the name, "...Kenichi Yamato."
"Thank you," Captain Yamato said in a slightly accented version of the Constantinople dialect. "I am here to assume the duties and responsibilities of military attache to Byzantium. I also bring with me... an invitation."

"An invitation?" the Byzantine officer said. "To what, if I amy ask?"
Yamato smiled. "We will conduct Army maneuvers in the Velerian Cooperative Zone soon," Yamato said, "The exchange officers from Byzantium are invited to observe; if things prove fruitful we shall consider inviting Byzantine formations there to train as well."

"A most generous offer," the Byzantine officer said. "I am certain my superiors will be most intrigued."



Results:
Imperial attache shows up in Byzantium.
Makes an offer to the Byzantine army to observe maneuvers in Velerian territories.

***



Kivangali, South Al-Akharabat





The Princess Aiko moved casually through the streets, unmindful of the horde of security guards around her. The Palace Authority had wanted none of this, but Princess Aiko had been concerned about the internal refugee situation for a long time-- and then there had been a careful and polite inquiry from the Sunshine Council to her father, the tenno, about enhancing Japanistan's diplomatic face to the world. A "care and concern tour" would be just the thing.

In truth, al-Akharabat had been cleaned up significantly since the 'suppression of anarchist-nihilist elements' a few years ago. The filthy dog of a 'President-for-Life', Farih Addeed, had been eleiminated by Kempeitai men during the unrest. Now, his former partner/rival, the "General" Kimba Mtambo, was elevated to the post of President for Life-- and told that unless circumstances were kept right, the notoriously short life span for Caravo males would prove to be an unfortunate reality.

So the Palace Security agents formed a tight ring around Her Majesty, with an outer ring of Kempeitai commandos and Imperial Army troops, with a further ring on the outside of Caravo militiamen being paid "a lot" to keep things quiet. Not that there was a lot anyone could do-- Kivangali was still a shadow of its former self, and the demands of scratching out a living was still about all the exertion that could be made in the shell of a town.

"How are the food distribution networks holding up?" Princess Aiko asked.
"In town, very well," her Kempeitai liason admitted, "Still some trouble in the outlying areas. People are hungry so they attack the food caravans. Whcih means there's less food to go around. So they attack more food caravans."

"Perhaps we shall change our methods, then?" she said, "Kick it out of airplanes, parachute it down. I once saw a video from the Air Force of a parachute pulling a crate out of the back of an airplane that was flying low, low enough that a person on the ground could touch it. Can that happen?"

"Yes, Princess," the Kempeitai Colonel said. So, she did pay attention to the briefings, he realized. Princess Aiko was pretty, but rarely said anything-- typically very proper, of course, but it left a void for the imagination of the observers to fill in. A Princess, soft and delicate, was not expected to be particularly robust in either fitness or mental acumen, but Aiko was proving to be a surprise so far. She seems to be actually interested in, and following, political events.

"Have the railroads been repaired, also?" she asked.
"The ones to the south have," the Colonel said.
"Armored trains, then," she said. The Colonel nodded. This one's a pistol, he decided. H emight not mind Royal duty after all. At least someone is finally paying attention to my jurisdiction...




Results:
Her Majesty the Princess Aiko of the House of the Emperor Matsuhito makes an appearance in Caravoland.
Under tight security, she starts putting a human face to the recovery and rebuilding efforts there.

***

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Byzantium Capitol Airfield


The basic airframe of the IL-76 transport aircraft was copied in Japanistan as the JC-76 Maple Highlifter-- and this particular JC-76 was in the formal, highly-polished diplomatic livery of the Imperial Air Force. Astute observers --and the airport seemed to be full of them on that particular day-- noted the addition of a small, colorful coat-of-arms added to the tail, just to the side of the squadron designation: a minor official of the house of the tenno.

The man that came down the ramp was resplendant in his Japanistani Imperial Air Force dress uniform; he was a Captain in the IJAF and had two aides with him-- stone-faced, silent men in equally resplendant uniforms of the Air Force. The Captain reached the end of th rramp and saluted the Byzantine official.

"Welcome to Byzantium, Captain..." he paused for a moment, remembering the name, "...Kenichi Yamato."
"Thank you," Captain Yamato said in a slightly accented version of the Constantinople dialect. "I am here to assume the duties and responsibilities of military attache to Byzantium. I also bring with me... an invitation."

"An invitation?" the Byzantine officer said. "To what, if I amy ask?"
Yamato smiled. "We will conduct Army maneuvers in the Velerian Cooperative Zone soon," Yamato said, "The exchange officers from Byzantium are invited to observe; if things prove fruitful we shall consider inviting Byzantine formations there to train as well."

"A most generous offer," the Byzantine officer said. "I am certain my superiors will be most intrigued."



Results:
Imperial attache shows up in Byzantium.
Makes an offer to the Byzantine army to observe maneuvers in Velerian territories.

***

A day or so later

"Captain Yamato, I have spoken with Exarch Selenov and I am pleased to inform you that the Emperor has given his go ahead for this," said Captain Adelphos.

"Most excellent. I will relay back to the generals at home."

"We have heard of an incident that occurred somewhere near Flyspeck isle. We would like to inquire ... how best can Japanistani concerns be.. assuaged..."

[Darth Coyotus]

Japanistan Embassy, Constantinople



A day or so later

"Captain Yamato, I have spoken with Exarch Selenov and I am pleased to inform you that the Emperor has given his go ahead for this," said Captain Adelphos.

"Most excellent. I will relay back to the generals at home."

"We have heard of an incident that occurred somewhere near Flyspeck isle. We would like to inquire ... how best can Japanistani concerns be.. assuaged..."

Captain Yamato's face was unchanged, but inside he was pleased to be getting some sort of progress on the situation-- even a mere inquiry at least showed the respect of interest.

"Clearly, the submarine that fired the missiles --for it could only have been a submarine, for there were no missile boats on radar at the time-- the submarine is now a crime scene. The Empire of Japanistan would be most pleased ot have the submarine, it's logs, the captain and his crew turned over for inspection, investigation, questioning and trial. They have committed an act of barbarism on the high seas... and we cannot have that, now, can we? As civilized nations?"

"I suppose not," the Byzantine liason officer said. "Do you have an idea who may be responsible?"

"We have theories," Captain Yamato said pleasantly, "Naturally, I am instructed not to divulge them, so as to avoid creating speculation run amuck in the media, and tainting the situation."

"Very wise," the liason said.
"The contrast is interesting, is it not?" Yamato said, "A few short years ago, our General Council had other respected minds in charge. Older men, who remembered the war, or grew up in it's shadow. Far more interested in confrontation. I suppose were they in charge they would have--" he made a slicing motion with his hand "--randomly torpedoed a few ships of the suspect nation. Now, younger men have risen to the council. More prone to contemplate things before acting rashly. If only other countries had such restraint.

"Suppose, for example, how it might appear, if a rogue nation that covets power and influence were to seek the umbrella of protection provided by a larger alliance. With a treaty, it feels it has the protection it needs to act belligerently, 'rock the boat' I believe the saying is. Does such a nation really bring much to the table of the larger alliance, or does it only make things far more difficult for them, when there is no need? Things were reaching a delicate equilibrium for awhile, after all."

"A question for politicians, I think," the liason said, uncomfortable with the turn of conversation.

"Let us all hope that the politicians make prescient choices, then," Yamato said.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Captain Yamato's face was unchanged, but inside he was pleased to be getting some sort of progress on the situation-- even a mere inquiry at least showed the respect of interest.

"Clearly, the submarine that fired the missiles --for it could only have been a submarine, for there were no missile boats on radar at the time-- the submarine is now a crime scene. The Empire of Japanistan would be most pleased ot have the submarine, it's logs, the captain and his crew turned over for inspection, investigation, questioning and trial. They have committed an act of barbarism on the high seas... and we cannot have that, now, can we? As civilized nations?"

"I suppose not," the Byzantine liason officer said. "Do you have an idea who may be responsible?"

"We have theories," Captain Yamato said pleasantly, "Naturally, I am instructed not to divulge them, so as to avoid creating speculation run amuck in the media, and tainting the situation."

"Very wise," the liason said.
"The contrast is interesting, is it not?" Yamato said, "A few short years ago, our General Council had other respected minds in charge. Older men, who remembered the war, or grew up in it's shadow. Far more interested in confrontation. I suppose were they in charge they would have--" he made a slicing motion with his hand "--randomly torpedoed a few ships of the suspect nation. Now, younger men have risen to the council. More prone to contemplate things before acting rashly. If only other countries had such restraint.

"Suppose, for example, how it might appear, if a rogue nation that covets power and influence were to seek the umbrella of protection provided by a larger alliance. With a treaty, it feels it has the protection it needs to act belligerently, 'rock the boat' I believe the saying is. Does such a nation really bring much to the table of the larger alliance, or does it only make things far more difficult for them, when there is no need? Things were reaching a delicate equilibrium for awhile, after all."

"A question for politicians, I think," the liason said, uncomfortable with the turn of conversation.

"Let us all hope that the politicians make prescient choices, then," Yamato said.

"Perhaps a less than legalistic approach is possible? Some of us do not necessary approve what some of our members have done. Even when Byzantium was in the MESS, the Emperor was less than pleased with what was going on, and soon things reached a tipping point recently, as you may have heard. While the Emperor did not make his displeasure a public one, it was expressed behind the scenes, yet it went unheeded.

Now suppose we could promise a generous compensation? After all, no one likes... someone to linger uninvited near one's door. Japanistan reacted as much when Cascadia and Shinra Republic tried to act all holy and mighty in Veleria. Perhaps something could be offered in return, in the form of trade treaties and such, and perhaps an increased participation in ... the space race? Or something tangible like peace treaties and such?"

[Coyote]

Seaside Palace, Canissia




King Arik Coyotus looked at the daily briefings-- lots of yellow folders, only a few red; less and less green. The whole world was becoming a endless series of low-level alerts and concerns, with very few of them looking promising anytime soon. A Gordian knot, he mused. Where's Alexander when we need him?. But then, everyone on the planet seemed to style themselves Alexander now.. and each of them trying to solve problems with swords.

One of the green folders wa stagged with a post-it note, on which was Katerin's delicate, Cyrillic-influenced handwriting. "Hopeful" it said. He opened it, needing some good news. Inside was a brief notation stating that Rufus Shinra was going to pay a diplomatic visit to King Paul, no other details available but it was good to see. Someone's still talking, he noted. After that ratfuck of a conference in Cascadia I'm surprised they're not mailing letter bombs to each other by now. Another green folder was marked "Byzantium".

"We will consult with our CATO allies before sending any assets. Meanwhile, send a note to the Cannissian embassy saying that I would like to have a telephone conversation with King Arik."

Let's see what the Byzantines have to say on this mess...

"Colonel?" he said. His majordomo approached.
"Yes, sir?" he asked.
"Let's set up a call with the Emperor Heraclius," Arik said, "Immediately after breakfast."

Before long, he was talking with the man who he still considered a friend, if the politics of the situation were a bit strained.

"Heraclius, what's new in your part of the world..?"

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Seaside Palace, Canissia

"We will consult with our CATO allies before sending any assets. Meanwhile, send a note to the Cannissian embassy saying that I would like to have a telephone conversation with King Arik."

Let's see what the Byzantines have to say on this mess...

"Colonel?" he said. His majordomo approached.
"Yes, sir?" he asked.
"Let's set up a call with the Emperor Heraclius," Arik said, "Immediately after breakfast."

Before long, he was talking with the man who he still considered a friend, if the politics of the situation were a bit strained.

"Heraclius, what's new in your part of the world..?"

"Nothing much Arik, though Japanistan is stirring here and there and we are trying to manage that and keep them from getting too excited. How are the kids and wife? Doing well I suppose?"

"Why yes, they are. Thank you."

"There are problems that need to be discussed. Namely the NFT, and Old Dominion, and now apparently Tian Xia has decided to lob a satellite over the NFT. Now tragic as it is that a crew of a NFT spacecraft miscalculated, there remains the issue of keeping this from escalating beyond mere rattling of sabers. Most of the proposals during the conference of course spontaneously combusted and few within CATO are too interested in a failed conference that was only salvaged by considerable back door dealing rarely seen in international politics. No one likes their ego bruised and everyone is reacting to reactions that beg some degree of rationality.

I'm not sure what to propose this time. Turning back the clock seems nice but I wonder if anything can be done at all? THe usual offers of peace and what not seem rather hollow after that disastrous conference."

[Darth Coyotus]

"Perhaps a less than legalistic approach is possible? Some of us do not necessary approve what some of our members have done. Even when Byzantium was in the MESS, the Emperor was less than pleased with what was going on, and soon things reached a tipping point recently, as you may have heard. While the Emperor did not make his displeasure a public one, it was expressed behind the scenes, yet it went unheeded.

Now suppose we could promise a generous compensation? After all, no one likes... someone to linger uninvited near one's door. Japanistan reacted as much when Cascadia and Shinra Republic tried to act all holy and mighty in Veleria. Perhaps something could be offered in return, in the form of trade treaties and such, and perhaps an increased participation in ... the space race? Or something tangible like peace treaties and such?"

"Ah, yes," Captain Yamato said. "Other options. I suppose an admission of responsibility on the part of the government, an admission of guilt from the Captain --and some meaningful punishment, after all, a government cannot allow hooligans to dictate policy for them-- and some meaningful compensation might be in order," Captain Yamato said. "Of course, this is all in the realm of the theortical... I am not one of the policy-makers for Japanistan, myself."

"Of course," the Byzantine liason said.

"But one thing I think would be asked by my superiors," Captain Yamato said, "What about some sort of reassurance that this sort of thing will not happen again? After all, what I said about the alliance at large suffering due to the actions of... rogue elements... is a valid concern? Our ruling councils will want to know that these aggressive, anarchic elements will be firmly policed. Otherwise, it is only a matter of time before this sort of thing gets dragged up again."

[Coyote]

..."There are problems that need to be discussed. Namely the NFT, and Old Dominion, and now apparently Tian Xia has decided to lob a satellite over the NFT. Now tragic as it is that a crew of a NFT spacecraft miscalculated, there remains the issue of keeping this from escalating beyond mere rattling of sabers. Most of the proposals during the conference of course spontaneously combusted and few within CATO are too interested in a failed conference that was only salvaged by considerable back door dealing rarely seen in international politics. No one likes their ego bruised and everyone is reacting to reactions that beg some degree of rationality.

I'm not sure what to propose this time. Turning back the clock seems nice but I wonder if anything can be done at all? THe usual offers of peace and what not seem rather hollow after that disastrous conference."

"Well, I agree," Arik said, "And I wish I had quick and simple answers for you. Believe me, if I had, I'd've brought them up," he said. "All I can say is that actions speak louder than bluster. We're setting up an INTERPOL; we were at one point making progress on ISCA but now with the Archipelago thing, that looks to be dead in the water, too... pardon the pun.

"As far as Canissia goes, I'm still working with you on the solid-state lasers thing; I participate in FASTA at least a little bit still, and there's the trans-continental nuclear train and the giant bridge with Shroomania we're building. It seems to me that underneath a lot of blistered egos there's some real substance going on that gets overshadowed by, well... whining, if I may be so blunt.

"I'll be honest with you, I think there's a certain core group of nations that always end up trying to put out the fires, thankless job that it is, and there's always a core group of nations trying to play with matches. I'm only half joking when I sometimes toy with the idea that you, me, PeZook, Shroom and Rufus should jettison the rest of them and form our own alliance. But that's totally unofficial; an expression of frustration,"

"I understand completely," Heraclius laughed. "What can the 'Fire Brigade' do in the current situations?"

"Realistically? I think we need to agree on what our goals are as alliances-- what exactly does th eMESS want? What exactly does CATO want? And find out what the common ground is and what is incompatible, and see what the hell we can do about it to alleviate the incompatibilities while building on the common ground."

"A very broad series of questions," Heraclius said, "I foresee this bogging down into another conference with all the seriousness of that las one."
"Well, not a conference between our alliances," Arik said, "But defining our own alliances. An internal review; setting priorities, agreeing to mission statements, whatever... Then coming to the table with a clear sense of where we're going in regards to each other. The last conference failed because people were looking for a debate platform to exacerbate the cross-purposes we are working towards. I admit, some of us probably support our allies reflexively, without asking if what our allies are doing is really for the best interests of all involved."

"And what if it turns out that the alliances cannot agree amongst themselves on their common interests?"

"Then we are in a poor position to be telling each other what to do," Arik said, "And we are in even poorer positions to be dealing with any so-called unity against, say, Japanistan," he added. "If we can't get our houses in order, then we can't settle our differences between MESS and CATO on any honest level. And that will mean that our efforts will have gaps in them-- gaps that Japanistan or others may try to exploit."




Results:
Arik tries to set an agenda where MESS and CATO both need to define what it is they both stand for and want as goals.
MESS and CATO, once they figure out their internal priorities, will then see how much overlap there is with one another.
Warns that trying to put on a united front against japanistan is doomed to failure if th ealliances themselves --internally and externally-- are not on the same sheets of music.

[CmdrWilkens]

Committe for Imperial Defense
Executive Summary of 5/22/17 Meeting

Attending: Sir Arthur Levitt (PM)
Rt Hon William Hightower (MoD)
Lady Virginia Culling (MoP)
Fleet Admiral Sir Hector Descares Rodrigo (CJFH)
Rt Hon Julio Vargas (MP-Defense Committee)
Rt Hon Garcia Juarez y Tulio (MP-Defense Committee)

Staff for all members not recorded by name.

The Prime Minister opened the meeting at 1050 on the 22nd of May for an unscheduled meeting to discuss rising tnesions between the Old Dominion and the NFT stemming originally from an incident earlier in the month involving a downed Dominon Air Force bomber by NFT naval assets in international waters. The Prime Minister included a statement from the Crown indicating that a decision would be neccessarry soon as to the public position of the Empire in regards to the current events.

The Minister of Defense recouned the current military preparations engaged in by the Old Dominon both for itself and through the OICAS for which information was not fully available. A question from M Vargas of the committee sought reasons why OICAS informaiton was incomplete. Staff briefings were supplied indicating that while Sirnoth is moving towards observer membership in the MESS under its provisional government, and thus has direct contact with military liason officers, the remaining OICAS members do not have direct military contacts with Wilkonia and thus all information is only that made available by the Old Dominion. Continuation of the briefing noted increased activity by Tian Xia in both its naval and air forces.

Lady Culling made note that both the Old Dominion and Tian Xia have requested access to WIN auxillary assets in the region to help maintain their existing deployments. As cost sharing agreements already exist the units on station have been ordered to provide all support normally offered until informed otherwise. She further noted that such agreements for intra-MESS logistical support have been in force for a long period and would constitute no change frm the pre-incident status quo on the Empire's behalf. Prior to a question from both MPs FADM Rodrigo mentioned that the Crown had approved of this.

The Prime Minister then had staff members from the Foreign Ministry breif the Committee in regards to current diplomatic dialouges known to be under way including, most notably, that President Shinra had indicated a desire to open a back chanel to King Paul with whom he maintained a close personal tie. Some speculation existed as to back channel words between the Byzantine Empire and Canissia but as of yet King Arik and his staff had not given definitive word to the liason personnel in the palace. The Prime Minister again took the floor to indicate that the Crown was most anxious that the incident and the subsequent acceleraiton of tensions be dealt with in such a way as to preserve the delicate balance amongst both international and internal forces. He indicated that a response to the crisis seen as either abandoing members of the MESS to CATO or as being excessively belligerent could cause the government to fail.

Public opinion was only beginning to gestate though the far right was generally in arms already about the outrages committed by the NFT upon an ally of Wilkonia there was as yet no sufficiently solid bloc of opinion outside of the consistent hawk narrative. The Prime Minister indicated that the preferrential solution would be to both stage assets defensively and to find out which back channel was receiving the most headway before throwing weight behind the move. The option was offered to use existing back chanels to the IRT to see about commercial enticement for either party. The Foreign Ministry staff inidcated that IRT tensions continued in such a manner as made it unlikely that they would be willing to play a mediator role though feelers would be sent.

FADM Rodrigo indicated that both Carrier Task Forces at sea were available for redeployment as both were on long transit voyages. TF 77, Atlantic, was on a long duration Cruise to Canissia and the Old Dominion which could be reservsed easily. TF 54 was on a fly the flag mission to various ports in Velaria but was in such a position that it could be rerouted back to cover Baja as it had departed the Caymans only two weeks prior. Surface and Marine assets were similairly positioned however due to restrictions only 2 MEUs were afloat. It was quickly decided that neither Amphibious Squadron was worth keeping at sea and orders should be despatched at once to bring them back to safe harbor and re-distribute the fire support groups to coastal defense.

The main issue moved to the surface assets of TF 27 which was at sea in the Impact Crater Archipelago supporting the movement of auxillary assets out of Sirnoth and providing assistance to civilian personnel entering to begin the harbor reconstruction projects. The TF itself was the most precariously positioned in terms of being at the center of the shifting dispute over the OICAS' legal ability to close the internal waters of the archipelago. While competing statements had already been made the resolution to the legality would likely have to be part of the final settlement. Nonetheless the dispute meant that the TF would be at the center of attention.

The decision was made to leave the TF on station as its prinicpal purpose in providing support to auxillary and civilian personnel ashore on Sirnoth was sufficient reason for them to remain. Note was made that they would be linked to OD early warning and IADS assets through the STAR system so they would have more than sufficient warning of any activity which might threaten them. It was decided to send representatives to Sirnoth to see about basing ASW assets from the Interior Ministry's Homeland Defense Department to help ensure the safety of TF 27. The carrier taskforces at sea were ordered to maintain present assignment though Sir Hightower indicated that a change in routing for TF 54 would be advisable and this was agreed upon. For other forces not at sea the decision was made to alert the vessels but not to surge them. A further meeting would be called for when both NAVFORWEST and NAVFOREAST reported assets ready to sail at which point the Committe would decide upon employment.

The meeting closed with the Prime Minister indicating that all forces should be warned to remain at peacetime alert levels. IFF signals should be on for all units and any training exercise which requires their abscence must be approved by the JCCH as creating another incident similair to the initial one would create needless hassle. The Foreign Ministry was ordered to discover the status of all back chanel negotiations and their likelyhood of success. The Crown, per the Prime Minister, would be advised that the Committe felt a recall of exposed forces along with a static alert level would provide sufficient appearence of calm while the remaining assets already in place for other legitimate pruposes constituted an adequate basis for forming a military response in the event tnesiosn escalated further.

<end summary>

[Ryan Thunder]

Mirakar Informer Netcast Tickertape:
National: Supreme Leader condemns economic sanctions against NFT; -MINT- MAF correspondent reports mobilization status has been raised to "Defensive II"; -MINT- MAF correspondent reports missiles deployed near Tian Jiao border; -MINT- Duty calls, citizen: Join the Armed Forces and fight the good fight! -MAF- Contact your local government office for recruitment details; -MAF- ...
Local: Return unused entertainment products to the MEA for recycling and/or redistribution; -MEA- Give back to the Grid by maintaining solar panels and wind turbines; -MEA- Electricians and technicians needed in South-East district; -MEA- Contact your local energy administration office for contractual details; -MEA- ...
Weather and Traffic: Time: 0944; -MINT- Your local air quality: Excellent; -MINT- Temperature: 25 C; -MINT- Humidity: 45%; -MINT- ...

[Coyote]

COMBAT GROUP II/TIAN JIAO
Légion étrangère
Headquarters of Major-General Louis leLombard





General leLombard's commands --the 19th Infantry and the 20th Heliborne-- were at 50% strength now, and growing. But he had been facing an increasing situation on nearby border areas where Miritian forces had been seen observing the border, scouting the perimeter-- and eventually, Combat Engineers showed up to clear brush and stake out positions. Bulldozers had dug in what appeared to be tank trenches at first, but which later turned out to be missile emplacements.

An increase in missile emplacements on the border, he'd written in his report back to the GHQ Canissia. At first these were believed to be tank emplacements, and therefore no real cause for alarm, since dug-in tanks would be a defensive gesture meant to display resolve/solidarity, in the midst of current political brouhaha. General leLombard was known to mince no words and use colloquialism in his reports.

However, an increase in missiles on the border sends a far different message. Missiles mean long-range, first strike capability; theatre domination is the likely goal. While the missiles are being moved in without much by means of support elements to support a strike --there are so far no infantry, tanks, or other 'follow-on' forces-- it can be reasoned that this is merely an aggressive posture by the Miritians.

However, he continued, We will continue to observe the units being emplaced on the border very carefully. If it appears that additional strike forces are being emplaced I would like to know how much leeway I have to deal with the situation.

There is, of course, another alarming possibility. There are no follow-on forces being positioned by the Miritians because the missiles themselves may be of an unconventional nature. I request any intelligence estimates that may be avilabale on the current deployable assets the Miritians may have regarding WMDs in tactical theater rockets. If it were to be revealed that these missiles could be non-conventional in nature, then that will be a game changer, and the desire to eliminate these rockets as a threat before they are fully emplaced becomes higher on the list of likely responses.

I am supposing that the diplomats will have their hands full with this one. On a personal note, observing as the Canissian commander in the field, it seems to me that many of the recent CATO converts on Frequesne style themselves as cowboys on the frontier; between this casual tossing about of firepower in an attempt to intimidate, to the NFT's recent actions and the circumstances in the Costas, these upstart powers have served to remind us all why most of the great powers were initially inclined to leave this continent alone in the first place. Due to the increase in bellicosity and general disregard for international convention on behalf of these regional powers, I recommend raising the alert level for all Canissian forces in the area to DEFCON 3 and for CBRN kits to be issued to all personnel.

Regards,
Major-General Louis leLombard

A copy was sent to the regional Military Commander of Tian Jiao forces as well.